Missouri's 'Safe and Sound' program can't keep up with bad bridges
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Missouri's 'Safe and Sound' program can't keep up with bad bridges

Date: September 7, 2010
By: Theo Keith
State Capitol Bureau
Links: See the full report

Intro:  A nationwide foundation says Missouri's bridges are some of the worst in the country, even as the state spends hundreds of millions of dollars to repair them. Theo Keith has more from Jefferson City.
RunTime:  0:38
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: According to the Reason Foundation, which studies the conditions of state roads, Missouri's bridge quality is 11th-worst in the country.

The ranking comes as the state spends $700 million to rehab 800 bridges statewide.

State Transportation Department spokesman Bob Brendel says it's hard to keep up with the deteriorating spans.

Actuality:  BRENDEL1.WAV
Run Time:  00:06
Description: "Some of them fall in rankings even at a faster rate than we can improve them.

Brendel says the agency's plan is to hold its ranking steady over the next five years.

That's as the department says its construction budget is getting cut in half.

From the state Capitol, I'm Theo Keith, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.

Intro:  As Missouri spends hundreds of millions to repair bridges, a nationwide study shows the state faces an uphill climb. Theo Keith has more from Jefferson City.
RunTime:  0:36
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: In terms of deficient and functionally obsolete bridges, Missouri has thousands.

The Reason Foundation, which ranks states' bridge quality every year, says Missouri is 11th-worst in the country.

State Transportation Department spokesman Bob Brendel says bridges that are open are safe.

Actuality:  BRENDEL2.WAV
Run Time:  00:07
Description: "They've been maintained, and they've been inspected regularly, and they are safe. Otherwise, they wouldn't be open."

Brendel says the state has rehabbed 210 old spans with its Safe and Sound bridge program.

That $700 million program will eventually repair 800 bridges.

From the state Capitol, I'm Theo Keith, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.